Rock Island Today

Illinois State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline) recently said that a historic building in Fulton would live on as a community center, calling the development "exciting." 

The Fulton Historical Society will receive $350,000 in grant funding to renovate the Fidelity-Drives Building through a member initiative sponsored by Anderson and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

"An exciting time for the city of Fulton!" Sen. Neil Anderson wrote in a May 10 Facebook post. "This member initiative is a great example of how hard work and perseverance can help drive a community’s vision forward. I look forward to coming back and seeing the renovations at the Fidelity-Drives Building." 

Renovations planned for the building include improving ADA access, a new HVAC system, improved plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems, and adding a new community classroom and learning center. 

Anderson said that he is thrilled that the more-than century-year-old building will continue playing an important role to Fulton and its residents. The new improvements will help the center serve the community by delivering S.T.E.A.M classes, providing space for a Dutch Museum and Mississippi River Museum, and playing a key role in the Fulton Dutch Days Festival.

Constructed in 1912, the venerable Fidelity-Drives Building occupies an attractive site along the Mississippi River. The building has served as the home office for Fidelity Life Insurance Association for 62 years and agriculture chain manufacturer Drives, LLC., for 40 years. Drives LLC. donated the property to the City of Fulton in 2010, and after nearly a decade of vacancy, the city sold the building to the Fulton Historical Society in April 2019.